Safe Video Demonstration Sodium and Potassium Exploding In Water

video Safe Video Demonstration Sodium and Potassium Exploding In Water

The demonstrations of many remarkable experiments include a high safety risk (e.g. the reaction of large pieces of sodium/potassium with water; the reaction of potassium with liquid bromine; the reaction of sodium with concentrated sulfuric acid, etc.). Chemistry teachers and instructors are usually reluctant to perform experiments that include a hazard. As a result, a number of fascinating experiments remain unknown to the public.

A very violent reaction of sodium and then potassium with water.
2Na + 2H2O --> 2NaOH + H2

As an alternative fill a beaker with water to create a positive meniscus. Add 2-3 drops of phenolphthalein to the water and then place a piece of filter paper on the beaker ensuring the paper absorbs some of the water. Place some Na onto the paper, stand back and enjoy. Unfortunately my school is not allowed to have K or Na anymore, so keep your videos coming!!!

Yeah, you can even see the color change when it goes to slow motion. And the thing the crap was put into was water. And the crap is Potassium. We did this at our school, but with sodium instead. It caught fire, but not actually exploding like that :D

I think they added a Ph tester to the water since water is normally green with it. After potassium hydroxide is produced, it turns purple or pink cause I think potassium hydroxide or whatever is made is somewhat acidic...?

Try lithium if you can get any. It isn't radioactive like cesium and the reaction is quite entertaining. Lithium is VERY reactive and when contact with water the reaction is explosive so be VERY carefull